John 20:2

KJV

Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} she runneth {G5143}, and {G2532} cometh {G2064} to {G4314} Simon {G4613} Peter {G4074}, and {G2532} to {G4314} the other {G243} disciple {G3101}, whom {G3739} Jesus {G2424} loved {G5368}, and {G2532} saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, They have taken away {G142} the Lord {G2962} out of {G1537} the sepulchre {G3419}, and {G2532} we know {G1492} not {G3756} where {G4226} they have laid {G5087} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So she came running to Shim‘on Kefa and the other talmid, the one Yeshua loved, and said to them, “They’ve taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they’ve put him!”

Berean Standard Bible

So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,” she said, “and we do not know where they have put Him!”

American Standard Version

She runneth therefore, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we know not where they have laid him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 20:2 vividly portrays Mary Magdalene's distraught and immediate reaction upon discovering the empty tomb of Jesus. Believing His body has been removed or stolen, she urgently runs to inform Simon Peter and "the other disciple whom Jesus loved" (traditionally John), setting in motion the apostles' investigation and revealing her initial, yet understandable, misunderstanding of the miraculous resurrection event.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Mary Magdalene's discovery of the empty tomb](/john/20-1 "John 20:1 - Mary Magdalene Discovers the Empty Tomb") early on the first day of the week. Her finding the stone rolled away, without any further revelation at that moment, leads directly to her conclusion that the body has been "taken away." Her urgent report to Peter and John in this verse directly precedes and prompts [their subsequent race to the tomb](/john/20-3-10 "John 20:3-10 - Peter and John Race to the Tomb"), forming a continuous narrative of the initial reactions to the resurrection. The narrative structure emphasizes the progression from confusion to investigation, and ultimately, to belief, as seen in [John's own testimony](/john/20-8 "John 20:8 - The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved Believes").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jewish burial practices of the time involved wrapping the body in linen cloths with spices and placing it in a rock-hewn tomb, often sealed with a large stone. The hurried burial of Jesus before the Sabbath, as described in [John 19:42](/john/19-42 "John 19:42 - Jesus' Burial Before the Sabbath"), meant that the full anointing rituals could not be completed. Mary Magdalene's early morning visit, therefore, was likely to complete these rites. Her immediate assumption that the body was "taken away" was a common fear in that period, as grave robbery was a known occurrence. The presence of a Roman guard, though not mentioned in John's account at the tomb itself, was a factor in the broader narrative (cf. [Matthew 27:62-66](/matthew/27-62-66 "Matthew 27:62-66 - The Guard at the Tomb")), making the removal of the body by human means seem less plausible to some, yet Mary's initial distress over a missing body was a natural human response to such an unexpected discovery.
* **Key Themes:** John 20:2 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of John. Foremost is the theme of **Initial Misunderstanding vs. Progressive Revelation**. Mary's conclusion that the body was stolen highlights the human difficulty in grasping the divine and miraculous, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent appearances to clarify the resurrection's reality. This contrasts with the later understanding and belief. Another theme is the **Role of Witnesses**, as Mary Magdalene becomes the first human messenger of the empty tomb, initiating the chain of events that leads to the apostles' witness. Her testimony, though incomplete, is crucial. Finally, the verse underscores the **Prominence of Peter and the Beloved Disciple** within Jesus' inner circle and the early Christian community. Their immediate response to Mary's news, as detailed in [John 20:3-10](/john/20-3-10 "John 20:3-10 - Peter and John Race to the Tomb"), highlights their leadership and their unique relationship with Jesus, particularly the "disciple whom Jesus loved," who is often understood to be John himself, the author of this Gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **runneth (Greek, _tréchō'_):** This verb signifies a rapid, urgent movement, conveying Mary Magdalene's state of distress and haste. It implies not merely walking, but a frantic dash, indicative of her emotional turmoil and the urgency with which she sought to inform the disciples of the astonishing discovery at the tomb. Her speed underscores the shock and alarm she felt at the missing body.
* **taken away (Greek, _aírō'_):** This word means "to lift up," "to take up or away," or "to remove." In this context, Mary's use of "taken away" directly reflects her immediate assumption: that someone, perhaps hostile parties or grave robbers, had physically removed Jesus' body from the sepulchre. It reveals her initial human interpretation of the empty tomb, devoid of any understanding of resurrection.
* **loved (Greek, _philéō'_):** This verb denotes a deep personal affection, fondness, or friendship, often characterized by sentiment and feeling. It is distinct from _agapaō_ (G25), which implies a more principled, volitional love. Here, _philéō_ emphasizes the intimate, tender bond and personal attachment Jesus had for "the other disciple" (John), highlighting the warmth and closeness of their relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved,"**: This clause describes Mary Magdalene's immediate and urgent action after discovering the empty tomb. The use of "runneth" (present tense in Greek, implying continuous action or immediate urgency) vividly portrays her distraught state. Her destination is specific: Simon Peter, recognized as a leader among the apostles, and "the other disciple, whom Jesus loved," a unique and humble self-designation by the author, John, emphasizing his special intimacy with Christ. This highlights the importance of these two figures as the first recipients of such world-altering news.
* **"and saith unto them,"**: This simple conjunction and verb introduce Mary's direct communication of her discovery. It sets up the pivotal statement that follows, indicating a moment of crucial information transfer that will propel the narrative forward.
* **"They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him."**: This is Mary's distraught report, revealing her initial and profound misunderstanding. Her use of "They" is indefinite, suggesting an unknown party, and her conclusion is that the body has been "taken away" or stolen, not resurrected. The phrase "we know not where they have laid him" underscores her confusion, distress, and the complete lack of comprehension regarding the true nature of the empty tomb. It captures the human perspective before divine revelation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and emotional impact. **Characterization** is evident in Mary Magdalene's portrayal; her frantic "runneth" immediately establishes her as distraught and urgent, deeply affected by the missing body. The description of John as "the other disciple, whom Jesus loved" serves as a subtle form of **self-identification** by the author, emphasizing his unique, intimate relationship with Jesus while maintaining a humble anonymity. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**: Mary's declaration, "They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre," is spoken from a place of profound misunderstanding and grief, yet the reader, with the benefit of hindsight, knows the true, glorious reason for the empty tomb – the resurrection. This irony heightens the significance of the moment, contrasting human despair with divine triumph, and foreshadows the eventual revelation of the resurrection truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 20:2 serves as a pivotal moment, marking the initial human encounter with the empty tomb and the subsequent chain of events leading to the full understanding of the resurrection. Mary's immediate assumption of theft highlights the natural human inclination to interpret extraordinary events through ordinary lenses, underscoring the radical nature of the resurrection itself. The theological significance lies in the fact that even a misunderstanding can trigger a process of discovery that ultimately leads to profound truth. This verse sets the stage for the progressive revelation of Christ's victory over death, demonstrating that God often uses imperfect human witnesses to initiate the spread of His most glorious truths. The empty tomb, though initially a source of alarm, becomes the foundational evidence for the resurrection, the cornerstone of Christian faith.

* [Luke 24:10-12](/luke/24-10-12 "Luke 24:10-12 - The Disciples' Initial Disbelief")
* [Matthew 28:5-7](/matthew/28-5-7 "Matthew 28:5-7 - The Angel's Message at the Tomb")
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Core of the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mary Magdalene's frantic rush and distraught report in John 20:2 offer profound insights into the human experience of encountering the unexpected and the miraculous. Her initial reaction of confusion and distress, believing Jesus' body had been stolen, is deeply relatable. It reminds us that even when faced with God's most incredible acts, our human understanding is often limited, and our first response may be one of misunderstanding or fear. Yet, Mary's immediate action—seeking out trusted spiritual leaders (Peter and John)—provides a powerful model for us. When we face confusion, uncertainty, or even what appears to be a loss of faith, the wise course is to turn to our spiritual community, to those who can help us process, discern, and ultimately find truth. Her willingness to share her incomplete understanding also emphasizes the importance of bearing witness, even when our own comprehension is still developing. The empty tomb, initially a source of alarm for Mary, quickly became the foundational proof of Christ's triumph over death, transforming her distress into unparalleled joy and becoming the bedrock of Christian hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when faced with unexpected or confusing circumstances in my faith journey? Do I seek out spiritual guidance?**
* **In what ways might my initial assumptions or limited understanding prevent me from grasping a deeper spiritual truth?**
* **How can Mary Magdalene's example of sharing her discovery, even with incomplete understanding, encourage me to share my own faith experiences with others?**

### FAQ
**Why did Mary Magdalene immediately assume the body was stolen, rather than considering resurrection?**

Answer: Mary's immediate assumption that Jesus' body had been "taken away" (or stolen) was a natural, human response given the circumstances and the cultural context of the time. Grave robbery was not uncommon, and the idea of a physical resurrection from the dead, while prophesied in the Old Testament and spoken of by Jesus, was a concept beyond the immediate grasp of the disciples, even after three years with Him. They were still processing His crucifixion and death; the resurrection was an unprecedented event that defied their current understanding of reality. Her distress and confusion, as seen in [John 20:2](/john/20-2 "John 20:2 - Mary Magdalene Reports the Empty Tomb"), reflect the shock of finding the tomb empty, leading her to the most logical, albeit incorrect, conclusion from a purely human perspective. It took direct encounters with the risen Christ, as Mary herself experienced later in [John 20:14-18](/john/20-14-18 "John 20:14-18 - Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene"), for the full truth of the resurrection to dawn upon them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 20:2, though depicting Mary Magdalene's initial misunderstanding, is a crucial step in the unfolding narrative of Christ's victory over death. Her report of the empty tomb, while colored by the assumption of theft, paradoxically serves as the very first human testimony to the physical absence of Jesus' body from the grave. This absence is not a sign of defeat or loss, but the irrefutable evidence of the [resurrection of Jesus Christ](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection"). The empty sepulchre, which initially causes Mary distress, is the foundational proof that Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), has conquered sin and death, fulfilling the prophecies of His triumph (cf. [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - Prophecy of Resurrection")). Mary's urgent message to Peter and John sets in motion the apostolic witness, leading to their own discovery and eventual belief, and ultimately to the worldwide proclamation that [Jesus is Lord and God raised Him from the dead](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confession of Faith"). Thus, Mary's bewildered cry, "They have taken away the Lord," foreshadows the glorious truth that the Lord was indeed "taken away"—not by human hands for burial, but by divine power through resurrection, to ascend to the Father and offer eternal life to all who believe (cf. [John 14:19](/john/14-19 "John 14:19 - Because I Live, You Also Will Live")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 13:23

Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

John 20:13

And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

John 21:7

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt [his] fisher's coat [unto him], (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

John 19:26

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

John 21:24

This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

John 21:20

¶ Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

John 20:9

For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.